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Robert Fernando, Doctor

Category: Health

Satisfied Customers: 6680

Experience: MBBS, Experienced Family Physician

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I feel like an idiot!!! I thought I was getting an UTI for

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I feel like an idiot!!! I thought I was getting an UTI for the last few days. Symptoms were burning, itching and a light discharge. As I was going to the bathroom last night I felt something odd and realized I had left in a tampon for at least 8 days. Of course, I removed it, but I am now having menstrual like cramping and burning. Should I call the Dr. I am really embarrassed, I am in my 40's and have NEVER done this before.

Thanks you for responding. I do not have any blood in urine. Yes, I removed tampon last evening when I discovered it and almost immediately started to have these menstrual like cramps along with a lower back ache. I am at work and do not believe I have a fever, but I do not feel well.

I can understand your concern and embarrassment with this issue. Please don't get panic, it is a common incidence in medical practice.

This left over tampon has become a source of infection. Your symptoms are indicative of vaginitis or vaginal infection. I would advise you to consult an Ob/gyne as soon as possible.

Also rarely this infection can travel to the uterus and lead to severe infection or TSS (toxic shock syndrome). Some of the early symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are similar to the "flu" which can make diagnosis difficult. The key warning signs to watch for include:

In your case, it sounds that you have vaginal infection called Vaginitis. Your doctor may take a sample of cervical or vaginal discharge for laboratory analysisYou may need antibiotic like metronidazole tablets (Flagyl) for Bacterial vaginosis and antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) for yeast infection.

I would suggest that you should not delay and rush to doctor ASAP for appropriate management.

Please let me know how I can be of further assistance. My goal is to provide you with excellent service – if you feel you have gotten anything less, please reply back, I am happy to address follow-up questions.